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Criminal Mischief

A criminal mischief charge may sound minor, but it can carry serious legal consequences. Depending on the circumstances and the value of the damaged property, you could be facing significant fines, a permanent criminal record, or even jail time. If you have been accused of criminal mischief, it is important to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Criminal Mischief Defense Attorney

What is Criminal Mischief in Florida?

A person commits the offense of criminal mischief if he or she willfully and maliciously injures or damages, by any means, real or personal property belonging to another. 

Potential Jail or Prison Time

  • If the damage to property is $200 or less, criminal mischief is a 2nd degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 60 days in the county jail.

  • If the damage to property is greater than $200 but less than $1,000, criminal mischief is a 1st degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in the county jail.

  • If the damage to property is $1,000 or greater, criminal mischief is a 3rd degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in Florida State Prison.

Jail Cell
Court Fine

Potential Fine

What Are The Elements Of Criminal Mischief?

(Florida Standard Jury Instruction 12.4)

To prove the crime of Criminal Mischief, the State must prove the following three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:


1. (Defendant) injured or damaged [real] [personal] property.


2. The property injured or damaged belonged to (person alleged).


3. The injury or damage was done willfully and maliciously.


Give if applicable.
Among the means by which property can be injured or damaged under the law is the placement of graffiti on it or other acts of vandalism to it.


Definitions.


“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely.


“Maliciously” means wrongfully, intentionally, without legal justification or excuse, and with the knowledge that injury or damage will or may be caused to another person or the property of another person.


Degrees. Give as applicable.
If you find the defendant guilty of criminal mischief, you must determine whether the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt that:


a. [the damage to the property was $1,000 or greater.] [by reason of the damage, there was an interruption or impairment of a business operation or public communication, transportation, supply of water, gas or power, or other public service which cost $1,000 or more in labor and supplies to restore.]


b. [the damage to the property was greater than $200 but less than $1,000.]


c. [the damage to the property was $200 or less.]


d. [the property damaged was a church, synagogue, mosque, or other place of worship or any religious article contained therein].


e. [the defendant has previously been convicted of criminal mischief].


§ 806.13(5) (a), Fla. Stat.
The amounts of value of damage to property owned by separate persons, if the property was damaged during one scheme or course of conduct, may be aggregated in determining the total value.

Call Now For A Free Consultation

Facing a Criminal Mischief charge can be stressful, confusing, and potentially life-changing. A conviction can result in a permanent criminal record. You can also face jail, probation and hefty fines. If you’ve been charged with Criminal Mischief, understanding your rights and legal options is critical. Call now for a free, confidential consultation.

Tampa Criminal Mischief Defense Attorney

Address

625 E Twiggs Street

Tampa, FL 33602

Contact

813-787-4849

Jruffinhuntlaw@gmail.com

Tampabaycriminaljustice.com

Hours

Mon - Fri

8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Client Testimonials

"Ruffin was awesome and did everything he said he would do to the letter. If there was a 10-star rating, I would give him one of those. Highly recommend him for anything you need!"

Scott

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